Clear Creek Camp Grounds

For Louisiana locals who embrace the rugged beauty of our state's wild places, Clear Creek Camp Grounds in Leesville offers a quintessential primitive camping experience. Situated within the sprawling Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA), this site is designed for those who seek an authentic outdoor escape, far from the amenities and crowds of developed campgrounds. It’s a place where self-sufficiency is key, and the rewards are abundant opportunities for hunting, fishing, and immersing oneself in the unique natural environment of Vernon Parish.

Clear Creek Camp Grounds are known for their rustic charm, appealing to adventurers who prefer to pitch a tent or park a basic camper without the need for power or water hookups. As one reviewer aptly put it, it's "Decent campgrounds. Space available for campers and tents. No power/ water hook-ups or toilet facilities available." This highlights its primitive nature, which for many, is precisely its appeal. While the area, like much of Louisiana, can be impacted by natural events such as hurricanes, leading to downed trees or high grass, these challenges are often part of the adventure for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. The presence of mosquitoes, common in Louisiana's lush environments, is a reminder to always come prepared.

For Louisiana residents, Clear Creek Camp Grounds represents an accessible gateway to the state's diverse ecosystems and rich outdoor heritage. It’s a year-round option for those looking to engage in various outdoor pursuits, from pursuing game during hunting seasons to enjoying quiet moments birding or simply experiencing the tranquility of a pine forest. This site embodies the spirit of self-reliance and deep appreciation for Louisiana’s public lands, making it a suitable and cherished destination for those who truly love to get out and explore their home state.

Clear Creek Camp Grounds are located within the Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Leesville, LA 71446, USA. This places the campground within Vernon Parish, in a region characterized by gently sloping hills, pine plantations, and small creek bottoms.

To access Clear Creek WMA and its camping areas, visitors typically navigate a network of parish roads, oil field roads, and gravel roads that crisscross the WMA. While a specific route to the campground itself isn't always detailed publicly, the WMA is bordered on the north by LA 8 (west of Anacoco Lake) and LA 111 forms part of its western border. LA 464 runs diagonally through the WMA. Accessing the primitive camping area generally means traveling on unpaved surfaces, so visitors should be prepared for varying road conditions, especially after heavy rains. Given its primitive nature, the roads leading directly to the camp grounds are unlikely to be paved and may require careful driving, particularly for larger trailers.

The WMA itself spans 52,559 acres (212.70 km2), offering an expansive natural setting. The surrounding terrain consists predominantly of loblolly/slash pine plantations, interspersed with hardwood flats along creek bottoms. The environment is typical of upland pine habitats, with diverse understory vegetation. While the specific proximity of the camp grounds to Leesville is not pinpointed, Leesville serves as the nearest city for supplies and services before entering the WMA. The WMA's management by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries ensures it's maintained for wildlife habitat and public recreation, making it an accessible, albeit rustic, outdoor destination for locals.

Clear Creek Camp Grounds are defined by their primitive nature, offering very basic services to facilitate a wilderness camping experience. This means campers should be prepared to be self-sufficient.

• Primitive Camping Area: The WMA explicitly states it has "one primitive camping area available for use year-round." This implies a minimalist setup without developed infrastructure.
• No Power/Water Hook-ups: Reviews explicitly confirm "No power/ water hook-ups" are available. Campers must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene, and be prepared for off-grid power solutions if needed.
• No Toilet Facilities: According to reviews, there are "no toilet facilities available." This means campers must be prepared for true backcountry sanitation, utilizing catholes or portable toilet systems and adhering to Leave No Trace principles for waste disposal.
• Space for Campers and Tents: Despite the lack of amenities, there is "Space available for campers and tents," indicating open areas suitable for setting up various camping setups.
• No Fee Camping: As a primitive camping area within a Wildlife Management Area, camping at Clear Creek is typically free of charge, offering an economical option for outdoor recreation.
• Year-Round Access: The primitive camping area is "available for use year-round," allowing for seasonal variation in camping experiences, though weather conditions (e.g., heavy rain, high heat, and humidity) should always be considered.
• No Formal Management/Host: Unlike managed campgrounds, there is no on-site host or formal office. Visitors are responsible for understanding and adhering to WMA regulations.

Clear Creek Camp Grounds, while primitive, offer several compelling features and highlights for those seeking an authentic Louisiana outdoor adventure.

• Hunting and Trapping Opportunities: The Clear Creek WMA is a significant draw for "Sportsmen from all over the state" to hunt. Game species include "deer, squirrel, rabbit, turkey, quail, dove, and woodcock," with specific seasons available. This makes the camp grounds a prime base for hunting excursions.
• Birding Hotspot: The WMA is a haven for "many neotropical birds, including indigo bunting, Henslow's sparrow, prothonotary warbler, and rose-breasted grosbeak." This makes it an excellent location for birdwatching and nature photography.
• Year-Round Primitive Camping: The availability of the primitive camping area "year-round" allows for diverse experiences, from cooler weather camping to full summer immersion in the Louisiana outdoors.
• Extensive Forested Environment: The WMA boasts a diverse landscape of "loblolly/slash pine plantation," "gently sloping hills," and "small creek bottoms with occasional hardwood flats." This varied terrain provides scenic beauty and diverse habitats to explore.
• Secluded and Rustic Experience: The lack of developed amenities ensures a truly rustic and secluded camping experience, appealing to those who wish to disconnect from modern conveniences and immerse themselves fully in nature.
• Creek Bottom Exploration: The presence of "small creek bottoms" with varied understory growth offers opportunities for exploration, and possibly fishing, though specific fishing information for the immediate camping area might require further inquiry.
• Off-Grid Living: For campers looking to test their self-sufficiency skills, the absence of hookups and facilities makes Clear Creek an ideal proving ground for off-grid camping.

As Clear Creek Camp Grounds are a primitive, unmanaged area within the Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area, there isn't a direct phone number or address for the campgrounds themselves. All official information and inquiries should be directed to the managing authority: the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).

Address: Leesville, LA 71446, USA (This is the general geographical area for the WMA and campgrounds, not a mailing address for direct correspondence.)

Phone: While a general Leesville number (337-238-7860) is sometimes associated with local information, for specific details about the Clear Creek WMA, including hunting regulations, WMA access, and any current conditions relevant to camping, it is best to contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries directly. Their main office number is (225) 765-2800 or their Information Hotline at 1-800-256-2749. For regional information, local LDWF field or enforcement offices might also be helpful.

It is crucial for visitors to check the official LDWF website or call them before planning a trip to Clear Creek Camp Grounds. They can provide vital updates on current conditions, such as recent hurricane impacts (e.g., downed trees, high grass), fire bans, special hunting season dates, and any other regulations or advisories that could affect your visit. Given the primitive nature and lack of on-site services, proactive communication with the LDWF is essential for a safe and informed camping experience.

For Louisiana locals, Clear Creek Camp Grounds are more than just a place to pitch a tent; they represent an authentic slice of our state's wild heart, perfectly suited for those who embrace the outdoors in its most natural form. The primitive nature, with no power, water, or toilet facilities, is not a drawback but rather a core appeal for residents who value self-sufficiency and a genuine escape from urban life. This no-fee camping area within the Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area makes it an incredibly accessible and economical option for frequent outdoor excursions.

The WMA's primary purpose as a hunting and trapping ground, combined with its reputation as a birding hotspot, directly caters to the passions of many Louisiana outdoors enthusiasts. Whether it's the thrill of deer season or the quiet joy of spotting a rare migratory bird, the camp grounds serve as an ideal basecamp. While conditions might vary, with mentions of high grass and hurricane-related downed trees, these are often seen as part of the dynamic natural environment that seasoned locals are accustomed to navigating. The constant presence of mosquitoes, a familiar part of the Louisiana landscape, simply means packing the right repellent.

Ultimately, Clear Creek Camp Grounds offer a deep immersion into the pine forests and creek bottoms of Vernon Parish, providing a quiet solitude that can be hard to find elsewhere. It allows locals to disconnect, recharge, and reconnect with the land in a way that respects its wild character. For any Louisiana resident seeking a true, unadulterated camping adventure where the focus is entirely on nature and self-reliance, Clear Creek Camp Grounds stand out as an excellent and highly suitable choice, right here in our own backyard.

Clear Creek Camp Grounds

Leesville, LA 71446, USA